2012 and Mental Health

     2012 has been a big year for mental health, particularly with tackling the stigma surrounding it. Legislation has changed, more and more people are speaking out and campaigns have even been held on TV, in the papers and online. We all hope that these efforts haven't been in vain and have helped to break down the wall of stigma, better our understanding of mental health and improve the lives of others.

     In this blog post I have compiled some of this years biggest news stories concerning mental health - illustrating how much has changed over the course of the year.

     February 8th - The House of Lords (HoL) voted in favour of an amendment to the Health and Social Care Bill - clarifying that mental and physical health will now have equal footing. The amendment itself was put forward by Mind, Rethink, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, The Centre for Mental Health and the Mental Health Foundation. This amendment means that in the NHS there is now a legal recognition that mental health is just as important as physical health. [1]

     June 14th - In the House of Commons (HoC) there was a four and a half hour debate on the subject of mental health it even saw four MPs speaking out about their own mental health problems. 
In the run up to the debate hundreds of people with mental health problems had contacted their MP urging them to speak out about local and national issues surrounding mental health.
The debate covered a wide range of topics including: the need for politicians, the media and public to talk more openly about mental health; the breaking downs of taboos and stigmas; ensuring that everyone is able to ask for help whenever they need it; the problems faced when trying to get help for mental health problems; the need of investing more into talking therapies, crisis care services etc; the need to overhaul the WCA so that those who are too unwell to work can receive the the benefits they need; and ways in which employers can improve conditions in the workplace. 
During the debate, the MP for Croydon, Gavin Barwell, announced his plans for introducing the Mental Health Discrimination Bill into the HoC next week, which will see four pieces of discriminatory mental health legislation amended and overturned. [2]

If you wish to see the full transcript of the debate go to: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm120614/debtext/120614-0002.htm#12061445000002

     September 14th - Introduced by Gavin Barwell, the Mental Health (Discrimination) Bill was voted in favour by MPs - meaning that the Bill will now go onto the Committee stage. If eventually passed it will mean an end to archaic laws that interfere with the rights of people with mental health problems including the prevention of participating in jury service, becoming/remaining a company director and MPs losing their seats if they are sectioned under the Mental Health Act, regardless of recovery. [3]

If you wish to see the progress of this Bill go to: http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2012-13/mentalhealthdiscriminationno2.html

     October 29th- Ed Miliband, leader of the Labour Party, gave a speech on mental health at the Royal College of Psychiatrists following the Labour Party signing the Time To Change Pledge. [4] He stated that the problem of mental illness in the UK is the 'biggest unaddressed health challenge of our age'. He also stated that he wants to give patients the same legal right to mental health therapies as with physical ones. He also criticized some celebrities for reinforcing the taboo and stigma that surrounds mental health and urged for a culture change.  

For the full speech go to: http://www.politics.co.uk/comment-analysis/2012/10/29/ed-miliband-mental-health-speech-in-full

If you would like to make a pledge yourself go to: http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/pledgewall#60018


      November 19th- Mind published new statistics that state that 1/5 people who have experienced a mental health problem have sought help directly because they've been inspired by celebrities that have spoken out about their mental health. As well as this, over 1/3 of participants polled saw that their understanding of mental health and mental health problems had improved as a direct result of hearing famous people share their own experiences. [5]


     As you can see this year the world of mental health has come on leaps and bounds. It has had its revolutions. However, it is still not without its problems; although things have got better there is still a long way to go; I hope that 2013 will be an even better year for mental health and that the revolutions will keep on coming.

From me to you, I wish you a happy new year! 

BMNM.
[1] http://www.mind.org.uk/news/6393_house_of_lords_votes_to_give_mental_health_parity_of_esteem
[2] http://www.mind.org.uk/news/6979_a_landmark_day_for_mental_health_in_parliament
[3] http://www.mind.org.uk/news/7415_leading_mental_health_organisations_welcome_mp_vote_to_scrap_outdated_discriminatory_laws
[4] http://www.mind.org.uk/news/7641_miliband_speech_on_mental_health
[5] http://www.mind.org.uk/news/7776_the_fry_flintoff_bruno_and_pendleton_effect

Mental Health and Christmas

     Christmas is a time of peace and goodwill to all. It's just that not all of us feel this peace or goodwill. Although this time of year is renowned as family time and as a time for giving, it can become all too much.

     Preparing for the big day can be daunting for everyone, even more so if you're experiencing mental health difficulties. There is a phenomenal amount of planning and work to do. There's the presents, the decorating, the food, the entertainment, the list is endless. Juggling all this as well as a mental illness can be exhausting and can also detrimental effects on your mental and physical well-being. Even when you've ticked off everything on the list that's as long as your leg you panic and fret whether it's good enough or whether you live up to everyone else's expectations.

    Speaking of expectations, society expects you to be happy, jolly and full of fun - IT'S CHRISTMAS! You're expected to put on a front saying that everything's 'OK' for the sake of Christmas. You're bombarded by questions; 'How's your love life?' , 'Got a girlfriend/boyfriend?' , 'Lost any weight recently?' etc. etc. In reality, you want to punch society in the face and hide in a cave for the season (this could just be me)!

     I digress.

     And lastly, there's the issue of money. This is a big issue to (almost) everyone - especially with today's economic climate. There's having it in the first place and then paying it all back after Christmas has passed. However, this issue of money can be an even bigger issue to those experiencing mental health problems. The mental health charity Mind conducted an online poll and found that 1 in 5 people felt 'less able to manage their mental health because of worries about paying off the cost of Christmas'. The charity's Chief Executive Paul Farmer said that 'financial worries can have a devastating impact on mental health and can lead to serious problems such as stress, anxiety and depression.' He also stated that people who experience mental health problems are 'more likely to be living in poverty...dependent on benefits because they are too ill to work' [1] which only adds to stress in paying back what is spent over the holidays.

     Before I love you and leave you I'll give some handy tips that'll hopefully help you to survive this holiday season.

Don't expect everything to go perfectly - Some things are bound to go wrong - it happens to everyone! Whether it'd be lumpy gravy or someone receiving the same present; try to accept that this won't be Christmas will be the Christmas of all Christmases and try to enjoy the holiday as much you can with people that love you.

Find a place of sanctuary - Whether this would be your bedroom, a bathroom, or the shed at the bottom of the garden; when things start to become too intense or overwhelming allow yourself to leave the situation and go somewhere where you can allow yourself to relax,  and then go back when you're ready.

It's Christmas for you too - You don't have to do everything - the holiday is also for you too. Put yourself first sometimes. Get everyone else involved (don't let them sit on their backside for the entire holiday). This might not only get things done quicker and lighten the workload, but perhaps they'll appreciate all the more the hard work that goes into Christmas.

Bear in mind that it'll all be over soon - It's relieving to know that this won't go on forever. Hopefully knowing that the torturous carols, the painful jokes, the ear-numbing stories, or being with people we may not like will all come to an end will help you to endure the season and hopefully come out the other side unscathed.


Remember that you're not alone. If it ever becomes too much there are people that will listen to you and can give you the help you need.

Mind - http://www.mind.org.uk/ 0300 123 3393
Samaritans - http://www.samaritans.org/     08457 909090
YoungMinds - http://www.youngminds.org.uk/ 0808 802 5544


I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - all the best.

BMNM.

[1] http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/93715.php

Support the Mental Health Bill!

    I'm asking you to back the bill, the Mental Health Bill - whether you're a member of the public or work within Parliament. On the 14th September this Bill will be debated within the House of Commons, and we need all the support we can get. I suppose you are asking: 'What is the Mental Health Bill?'
     This Bill will repeal and amend pieces of outdated legislation that discriminate against those with mental health problems. It will remove barriers that are set in law that contribute to the stigmatization of mental illness. It will also show the public that the discrimination of people with mental health problems will not be accepted or tolerated.
     The Mental Health (Discrimination) (No 2) Bill was introduced the House of Commons on the 20th June by Gavin Barwell MP. The Bill so far has made some progress within the House of Lords with Lord Stevenson of Coddenham, however, before the Bill had a chance to become an Act the parliamentary session ended. It's second reading will occur on the 14th September.     
 
     The law currently stands that:

• An MP automatically loses their seat if they are sectioned under the Mental Health Act for more than 6 months (Mental Health Act 1983, Section 141), 
• A 'mentally disordered person' cannot undertake jury service (Juries Act 1974),
• And that a person can cease to be a director of a public or private company 'by reason of their mental health' (Companies [Model Articles] Regulations 2008).

      
     These pieces of legislation build into the old-fashioned and discriminating idea that people can never recover from a mental health problem, and that they cannot be trusted to be part of social, political or economic life. The messages received from these current pieces of legislation make it seem that because the law can discriminate so can we. No.
     This Bill is a very important stepping stone, or bridge (or whatever metaphor you fancy) to making a society where people with mental health problems can feel that they can participate to their full potential, without the discrimination and stigmatization that currently surrounds mental health.
     The amount of the support the Bill has is fantastic - Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists are all supporting the Mental Health Bill, as are large numbers of the public. The Government has also stated that the Bill is in line with the coalition's mental health strategy and will support it to become law. However, more support is still needed. On the 14th September the Bill will be throuroughly analysed, examined and debated; and it is crucial that as many MPs as possible attend this debate and support this Bill to become law. You can help by getting yourself, and others, into contacting to your MP, whether it's face-to-face, on the phone, tweeting, or via e-mail. Making this Bill law will help to improve the lives of many. We hope we can count on your support. Thank you.

  To keep track on how the Bill is going you can look here: http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2012-13/mentalhealthdiscriminationno2.html 

BMNM.

Mental Health & TV: Should We Rely On The Media To Educate Us?

     This week Channel 4 goes mad. Tonight is the beginning of a series of documentories; composed and compiled together by celebrities (Ruby Wax and Jon Richardson to name a few), volunteers, and mental health organisations (like Mind, Rethink and Time To Change). They will come onto our tellyboxes and explore all things mental health: from issues surrounding them to different mental illnesses. In my opinion I'm excited and I can't wait to watch it all.

     However, there's something that keeps on turning over and over in my mind. I can't help but think why we should rely (if 'rely' is the right word) on television programmes to teach us about mental health. The media plays a large part in the portrayal and education of mental health: from documentories to soap operas running storylines on their characters and their experiences. As much as they strive to raise awareness and reduce stigma sometimes these portrayals aren't always accurate and can present a varying amount of bias, and so can misinform us about things within mental health. These misunderstandings can potentially be harmful to us and others around us. Although, it is not to say that all we learn about mental health comes from the television. There are numerous organisations that provide us with facts, figures and first-hand experiences and these help us to better our understanding on mental health. The only criticism of these I can give is that they're not always accessible or available to everyone. I think education into mental health should be made more accessible, and more so available on the national curriculum.

     Throughout my time at school we have been given lessons called 'Directions', aka Citizenship or PSHE classes, within these lessons we are taught subjects that are outside the standard curriculum, of which include sex education, the environment, diversity, drugs and substance abuse etc. however, not once have I recalled being delivered information/education on mental health, apart from within Psychology lessons (but that's a different kettle of fish).  The point I'm trying to make here is that perhaps not enough is done to teach people about mental health, and that this lack of knowledge or understanding can lead to terrible consequences to those who experience a mental illness (whether it'd be directly or indirectly), e.g. bullying (not just within schools but also in the workplace), self-destruction, and even death. For something that affects all of us it should make sense to provide education on it, preferably from a relatively early age, so that we can develop our understanding and knowledge of mental health and improve the quality of life for us and others.
     It's a goal of mine to see mental health being taught in schools, and as part of the national curriculum. However, I cannot do this alone. I hope this to be the start of this campaign, and I would love to hear of your opinions or experiences - so feel free to comment below.
Thank you.


BMNM.

Play The Amazing Spider-Man VG; And Beat Up Psychiatric Patients

     I came home today and my brother opened the door and was looking very excited. He squeaked 'Guess what game I got! Guess what game I got!' A few ideas came to mind, but before I could answer he had already told me - The Amazing Spider-Man (The ASM).
     Like my brother, I am too a great fan of Spider-Man (and super-heroes in general); so I decided that I would sit in for while and watch him play his new game. Now here this brings me to the point of today's blog post.
     One of the levels within game is set in a psychiatric hospital called the 'Beloit Psychiatric Hospital', and here Spider-Man comes to find a patient, Dr Connors, and release him. The game level starts, and Spider-Man sets out to open Dr Connors ward, however, a security guard accidentally ends up opening all of the wards and releasing all of the patients. The level progresses to where the patients are 'subdued' by Spider-Man; the game-player can beat the living snot out of the patients. I find this absolutely disgusting.
     Here below are some screen-shots taken from a video walk-through of the game.

YouTube Screen-shot from a walk-through of The ASM; game-player/Spider-Man beats up psychiatric patient.

Another YouTube Screen-shot from a walk-through of The ASM.

And another YouTube Screen-shot.

   
     As I watched my brother playing this game I was feeling horrified, disgusted and distressed. I understand the structures and features of games that fall into this genre; you have 'enemies' and the objective is to defeat them, but to make these 'enemies' psychiatric patients (who can be quite vulnerable) is sickening. Also, depending on which format the game is in, you can also earn achievements - so does that mean that you're being rewarded for punching and kicking psychiatric patients?
     The game itself also seems to depict the patients as violent, and makes many other prejudicial and misinformed statements about those that have mental illnesses. Those who suffer with mental illnesses are more likely to be a victim of violence. I have no idea what the game makers/developers were thinking at the time, but they have been unbelievably insensitive and offensive. It's also quite hard to think that the developers at Beenox, or the publishers at Activision have not once appeared to think or consider the ethics within this game.
     Now, I think this game is going to be popular - it's Spider-Man - and so there are going to be a relatively large amount of people that are going to be playing this game. There may be some game-players who know the myths and the facts on mental health - and may see the point I'm making here, but there's also the case of having those that don't and this game adds fuel to the fire of prejudice. In one way or another someone could end getting hurt by this.

BMNM.

This Week Is Carers Week

     This year Carers Week is from 18th - 24th June, and there's no better time now than to raise awareness and show support very much deserved by carers.


     Carers are those that provide unpaid care by looking after family members that are either ill, frail or disabled. There are points in our lives where it is going to be very likely that every one of us will be involved in this too. It is estimated that 10% of population (or nearly 6,000,000 people) are carers [1], myself included.  


     Although caring is a part of life, without the right support the well-being of carers can be heavily at risk. Caring can take effect on your finances, health, career, your family and social life. Carers can fall out of paid work and many rely on low-level benefits, forcing them into poverty [2]. With is in mind, it is important to consider how much carers contribute to their communities; (for one thing) it has been calculated that carers save the economy £119 billion each year, however, in return carers experience isolation, ignorance and little/no support. It has been reported that 625,000 people suffer physical and mental ill health due to the stress and demands of caring [3]. That is not to say that there is not any help available, but it can be difficult to look for if resources are restricted or unavailable.


     If you, or someone you know, is a carer there are many resources available that can advise and assist you; whether it'd be for financial, career, or health advice. Such organisations and charities (to name a few) like Connexions, Carers UK, Mind can offer valuable advice, information and support for when you really need it.


     Now remember, as this week is carers week set aside time to think about carers and what they do, raise awareness, donate, or do all of the above. What will you do?


BMNM.



[1] http://carersweek.org/about-carers/facts-about-caring
[2] http://carersweek.org/about-us/carers-uk
[3] http://www.carersuk.org/newsroom/stats-and-facts

What is 'Be Mindful, Not Mindless'?

     Hello, I thought I'd just let you all know what Be Mindful, Not Mindless (BMNM for short) is all about. The blog itself will concern all things involved with mental health (from filling in the facts, to commenting on related news stories).
     
     Just like physical health we all have mental health; it can be good and it can be bad. Mental health, and it's awareness, has always been something very close and important to me, and it is for many others as well. 1 in 4 will experience mental health problems, whether it'd be themselves or someone they know. For something that affects all of us it still appears to be one of the biggest taboos in our society still. I hope to play some part in ending this. 
     My aim is to help raise awareness and hopefully educate others about mental health. Will you help too?

BMNM.